Difference Between RFID and Barcode Technology

Barcode is the most prevalent method of labeling used today. Almost every product, which is being sold, has its own barcode, which makes it easier for the cashier to know the correct price of the product.

A new tagging or labeling method known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), utilizes radio waves to fetch the data stored in a tiny circuitry. Radio waves can track solid objects, so there is no necessity of line of sight in obtaining the data.

Even though they have different functioning, barcode and RFID technology are both beneficial for inventory management and other applications.

Usually barcodes uses a sensor and light to scan the data stored on the tag, whereas RFID uses radio waves to scan the data on the tag.

Barcode scanners can handle one tag at a time (one after the other) while RFID scanners can process dozens of tags in one second.

Barcodes are very simple and can be smoothly replicated or counterfeited, whereas RFID is more complex and secure and cannot be counterfeited easily.

RFID tags can be safely hidden to protect from the environment, whereas barcodes get exposed to environment.

Barcodes are inexpensive whereas RFID tags are very expensive.

The barcode and RFID technology can be used commonly for the same item. Even though RFID cannot be used, barcode is used to obtain information about a product by scanning it.